College Breaks Records in SEFA Campaign

Now that SUNY Plattsburgh's campaign for the State Employees Federated Appeal has
ended, its motto could well be changed from "Together We Can" to "Together We Did."

In the North Country, SUNY Plattsburgh is the largest contributor to this campaign,
which allows state employees to give to nonprofits through payroll deductions as well
as check and cash donations.

This year the campaign on campus raised a record $58,679 ? 116 percent of the $50,500
goal and 15 percent more than was raised last year. The goal of 300 employees giving
to the campaign was also broken when 328 gave. This was a 12-percent increase over
last year.

The college also set a record for the amount of money the average donor gave this
year. The average gift was $180.

"I couldn't be more pleased," said Peter Luguri, director of first-year programs.
"The tremendous success of this year's SEFA campaign speaks to an important core value
at SUNY Plattsburgh ? caring. Collectively we care about our students; we care about
our colleagues; and we care about our neighbors."

Luguri coordinated the campaign along with Executive Administrative Coordinator at
the Center for the Study of Canada Cherice Granger, UUP representative Carol Bleaux
and CSEA representative Ethel Facteau.

"This is one of the many ways that our employees make a difference," said SUNY Plattsburgh
President John Ettling. "We are proud of their efforts and the way they have come
together to give back to the community at a time when there is so much need."

In a note to college employees, Luguri gave credit to others at the college.

"We would be remiss if we did not extend our appreciation to the many departmental
SEFA coordinators for their extraordinary efforts," he wrote. "Without their work,
the results would have been much different."